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Thread: Hex wrench size chart

  1. #1
    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Hex wrench size chart

    Instead of always trying several wrenches to find the correct size I decided to make a little chart to stick to the front of the tool box.

    HEX WRENCH SIZES

    A = SAE number
    B = hex wrench size for socket head cap screw
    C = hex wrench size for set screw

    Code:
    A	B		C
    
    0	0.050		0.028
    1	1/16		0.028
    2	5/64		0.035
    3	5/64		0.050
    4	3/32		0.050
    5	3/32		1/16
    6	7/64		1/16
    8	9/64		5/64
    10	5/32		3/32

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    ---
    Regards, Marv

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    Paul Jones (Apr 8, 2017), Seedtick (Apr 9, 2017), Toolmaker51 (Apr 10, 2017)

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    Supporting Member pfredX1's Avatar
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    I did not know about the SAE numbers. I just made a holder with every size hex wrench I have in it, in ascending order. SAE and metric. So if none of those fit, then I don't have the Allen key.

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    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
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    Frank S's Tools
    This chart may be of some help as additionally to the SAE sizes it lists fractional as well as metric but not the set screws

    Socket Head Cap Screw Size Chart
    Also if you visit that page and click on 1 of the menus it will take you to a page for downloading their 80 page book of fastener dimensions
    Sorry they are a fastener company and will want contact info
    Last edited by Frank S; Apr 9, 2017 at 09:12 PM.
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

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    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pfredX1 View Post
    I did not know about the SAE numbers. I just made a holder with every size hex wrench I have in it, in ascending order. SAE and metric. So if none of those fit, then I don't have the Allen key.
    I think you've missed the point. The idea is to avoid the need to try successive wrenches for a fit. Assuming you know the specification of the SHCS or set screw, just look at the chart and select the wrench it shows.

    For example, if you're using a 6-32 cap screw, the chart says you need the 7/64" hex wrench. A 4-40 set screw will require the 0.050" wrench.
    ---
    Regards, Marv

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    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frank S View Post
    This chart may be of some help as additionally to the SAE sizes it lists fractional as well as metric but not the set screws

    Socket Head Cap Screw Size Chart
    For the fractional SHCS, I simply remember the rule(s)...

    If less than 1/2 subtract 1/16 from the screw size to find wrench size
    else
    If less than 1 subtract 1/8 from the screw size to find wrench size

    I've never seen a 1" SHCS much less anything larger but there are similar consistencies as one goes up into those Brobdingnagian sizes.
    ---
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    metric_taper (Apr 10, 2017), Paul Jones (Aug 25, 2017)

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    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
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    Marv I think the largest hex key that I own is 1", and have only used it on hydraulic plugs. The largest hex key I've even seen was 3" and must have weighed 50 lbs I don't even want to try an visualize what that was used for But hey I used to have a 44 lb sledge hammer that a friend made for me because I was always saying if I just had a bigger hammer this job would be easy.
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

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    Paul Jones (Aug 25, 2017)

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    Supporting Member Toolmaker51's Avatar
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    44 pound sledge? I think the term is a 'maul'. Same thing.
    Either is a putter in Texas.
    Sincerely,
    Toolmaker51
    ...we'll learn more by wandering than searching...

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    Supporting Member pfredX1's Avatar
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    That's not how I typically deal with hardware. For me it is more like there it is, find something that fits it.

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    Marv - Thanks for the little hex key size chart. It'll be easy to print a whole slew of them on some good photo paper and stick them in place with Eileen's Tacky glue. BTW, that heavy weight inkjet photo paper is great for making really permanent lables using hand writing with sharpie pens. Sharpies on non absorbant surfaces go on so thin that they fade after a few years. But the porosity of inkjet paper lets the dye go deep and permanent. Ald if tacky glue isn't good enough go with pliobond for the label. (like on a glass jar). I've become real careful about marking the contents of any container that doesn't have a clear label describing the actual contents. In professional shops the laws and rules are real cleat about this sort of thing. For a home shop in the hands of a people smart enough to be machinists you don't necessarily have to be OSHA compliant but clear info on container contents is a good plan, especially as you a age and tend to forget more easily. Ed Weldon
    One othe point about paint on hex keys. I tried that first and the shrink tube approach is faster and looks a lot better if you have lots of hex key sets to mark as well as a cabinet full of spares.
    Ed Weldon



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